Pipe dreams could be set to become a reality for jobseekers thanks to a Belfast-based company.

Purepipe is investing £250,000 and creating six new positions as part of plans to boost sales in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Invest Northern Ireland has offered the company £45,000 towards its expansion which involves investing in new state of the art specialised pipe manufacturing equipment needed to target new business.

Purepipe is the composite pipe manufacturing division of SILOTANK. It manufactures fiberglass pipes from 600mm to 2000mm and exports 96% of its invoiced sales outside Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the investment, managing director of Purepipe Seamus Carmichael said: "We have experienced sales growth for our Glass Reinforced Plastic [GRP] pipe in recent years specifically from hydro electric developers and wave energy technology companies. This investment signals our ongoing commitment to continuous innovation and focus to position ourselves to compete in international markets.

“The new pipe rectification and machining technology will ensure we can manufacture the projected volume, quality standards and cost structure required to target new business. Invest NI’s support, particularly with recruiting six new production operatives will help us drive forward our growth plans and capitalise on growing market opportunities across Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.”

Invest NI's director of Advanced Engineering and Construction Kevin McCann said: "This is an important and strategic expansion by a company which has invested steadily in its product development and in driving sales outside Northern Ireland in recent years.

“Purepipe has pinpointed key growth areas for the business and its investment will ensure it has the resources and capability to meet the needs of its target customers.”